KR-20260062641-A - Battery module, Battery pack and vehicle including the same

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; a module frame that accommodates the plurality of battery cells and has a plurality of venting holes formed on at least one side to discharge venting gas generated from the battery cells to the outside; and a cover member that is detachably coupled to the venting holes and configured to cover the venting holes.

Inventors

• 황원필
• 박기찬
• 장혁균

Assignees

• 주식회사 엘지에너지솔루션

Dates

Publication Date

20260507

Application Date

20241029

Claims (13)

1. Multiple battery cells; A module frame accommodating the plurality of battery cells and having a plurality of venting holes formed on at least one side to discharge venting gas generated from the battery cells to the outside; and A battery module characterized by including a cover member configured to be detachably coupled to the venting hole and to cover the venting hole.
2. In paragraph 1, It further includes a module terminal configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells above, and A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned venting hole is formed on the opposite side from the above-mentioned module terminal.
3. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above-described cover member is configured to open and close the above-described venting hole.
4. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned cover member is individually provided for each of the above-mentioned venting holes.
5. In paragraph 1, The above cover member is A cover portion configured to cover the above-mentioned venting hole, and A battery module characterized by having a coupling portion configured to protrude inwardly from the cover portion and be coupled to the venting hole.
6. In paragraph 5, A battery module characterized by the above-mentioned coupling having an outer surface that is inclined.
7. In paragraph 5, A battery module characterized by the above-mentioned coupling portion being configured to be at least partially lost due to the heat of the venting gas.
8. In paragraph 5, The above cover member is A battery module characterized by having an insertion portion configured to protrude inward from the cover portion and be inserted into the inner circumference of the venting hole.
9. In paragraph 8, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned insert is configured to support the inner surface of the venting hole.
10. In paragraph 5, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned cover portion is configured to be rotatable outward.
11. In Paragraph 10, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned cover portion is configured to prevent rotation into the inner side of the venting hole.
12. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
13. An automobile comprising a battery module according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 11.

Description

Battery module, battery pack including the same, and vehicle including the same The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile. Secondary batteries, which possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density and high applicability across product groups, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for enhancing eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only for the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also because they generate no by-products from energy use. Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Additionally, to increase charge/discharge capacity, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery module or pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge/discharge capacity. Meanwhile, since battery cells involve chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance may degrade if used in environments higher than the optimal temperature; furthermore, if thermal control is not maintained at the appropriate temperature, there is a constant risk of unexpected ignition or explosion. Additionally, battery modules are structured to house these battery cells intensively within a module frame. Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in a single battery cell, the emitted high-temperature gases and flames can spread to adjacent cells, potentially leading to a chain reaction of explosions, making this situation extremely dangerous. In particular, the module frame of the battery module has venting holes formed therein to discharge high-temperature gases or flames generated inside the battery module to the outside, and through these venting holes, heat such as gases or flames can be directed toward other battery modules or flow back into the battery module. Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that protects the module frame to minimize the movement of high-temperature gases or flames generated inside the battery module to other battery modules in the event of thermal runaway, thereby preventing heat propagation between battery modules and preventing emitted gases or flames from re-entering the battery module. The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a rear side exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 5 may be a drawing showing the cross-section I-I' of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the process of a cover member included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention being coupled to a venting hole. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a cover member included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention coupled to a venting hole. For example, FIG. 7 may be a drawing showing a cross-section II-II' of FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cover member included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing that a venting hole is opened when a thermal event occurs in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing that a venting hole is opened when a thermal event occurs in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing that a venting hole is opened when a thermal event occurs in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic persp